Group Urges Tinubu to Sustain Food Import Policy, Warns Against Hoarders

From Alhaji Yusuf, Damaturu

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policy on food subsidy and importation, calling it a critical measure to combat the nation’s escalating food crisis.

In a statement issued by its National President, Hon. Khalil Mohd Bello, the association urged the President to disregard calls from commercial interests to end the policy, emphasizing that it is essential for the well-being of all Nigerians amidst rising hunger and economic hardship.

KACRAN’s appeal is rooted in three primary concerns: widespread public suffering, significant threats to domestic food production, and market manipulation by hoarders.

The association pointed to “the tragic incidents of people scrambling for palliatives last year and the growing number of children suffering from malnutrition” as clear indicators of the urgent need for government intervention. It argued that rising food prices have made basic necessities unaffordable for many ordinary citizens.

Highlighting the challenges crippling local farmers, KACRAN cited persistent insecurity in farming regions, climate change, and floods as major factors that have “significantly hampered” Nigeria’s food production capacity. The group stated that this shortfall makes food importation a necessary intervention to bridge the gap.

KACRAN also accused some commercial farmers and traders of exacerbating the crisis through hoarding. “We have observed that some intentionally hoard surplus food after harvest, waiting to sell it at exorbitant prices during the lean season,” the statement read.

While supporting the immediate policy, KACRAN called on the government to develop a robust, long-term strategy to achieve self-sufficiency. It specifically urged the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to ensure the massive and timely importation of fertilizers and other farm inputs for free or highly subsidized distribution to genuine farmers before the next planting season.

The association commended the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, for his commitment to the President’s Renewed Hope agenda, expressing confidence that with these combined efforts, Nigeria can overcome its food challenges.